Isotta Fraschini Withdraws from WEC Hypercar Class: Immediate Effect
Boutique car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class with immediate effect, leaving a void in the grid for the upcoming race in Austin. The sudden departure comes as a surprise to many in the racing community and has raised questions about the future of the Italian marque in endurance racing.
Disagreements with the Duqueine Team, responsible for running a single Tipo 6-Competizione, are said to be the primary reason behind Isotta Fraschini’s abrupt exit from the championship. The feud between the two parties is rumored to be headed to the courts, adding more drama to the situation.
In a statement issued by Miguel Valldecabres, Director of Motorsport and CEO of Isotta Fraschini, the company expressed pride in its achievements during its debut season in the WEC. Valldecabres highlighted the honor and experience of competing in the championship, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans standing out as a particular highlight. Despite the challenges faced, Isotta Fraschini remains optimistic about the future and is committed to furthering its brand and product development in the racing and Hypercar markets.
Duqueine took over as Isotta’s factory team in late 2023, just months before the car was set to make its racing debut. With touring car veteran Jean-Karl Vernay leading the charge, the team also included silver-rated racers Antonio Serravalle and Carl Wattana Bennett, who brought in crucial sponsorship to support the program. Bennett’s last-minute inclusion in the lineup added an element of uncertainty to the team’s composition, replacing the original signing Garcia.
Despite limited testing prior to the season, Isotta Fraschini managed a respectable performance at the Le Mans 24 Hours, finishing 14th without encountering significant reliability issues. However, tensions arose within the partnership with Duqueine as the season progressed, leading to the eventual withdrawal of Isotta from the championship.
The future of Isotta Fraschini’s on-track endeavors beyond 2024 remains uncertain, especially with the WEC’s requirement for manufacturers to field two cars starting next season. If a resolution is not reached, Isotta’s grid spots may be filled by privateer teams running customer cars.
The Hypercar grid now faces a reduced field of 18 cars following Isotta’s departure, creating a challenge for organizers and fans alike. As the racing community processes this unexpected turn of events, Isotta Fraschini extends its gratitude to sponsors, drivers, partners, and fans for their support during the inaugural season. The company also acknowledges the WEC and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) for their assistance and remains hopeful for a potential return in the future.
As the dust settles on Isotta Fraschini’s exit, the racing world awaits further developments in the Hypercar class and the impact of the Italian manufacturer’s decision on the championship as a whole. With uncertainty looming, teams and fans alike must now adjust to a new reality in the WEC landscape.
